Brian Poole is a singer and performer, leader of 1960s Rock ‘n’ Roll band the Tremeloes (1957–1962) then Brian Poole and the Tremeloes (1962–1967).
The original lineup comprised Brian Poole (vocals, guitar), Alan Blakley (drums), Alan Howard (sax), and Graham Scott (guitar). This version of the band didn’t stay together long, however, and Blakley quickly switched to guitar (which Poole relinquished) after Dave Munden joined on the drums. Munden proved not only to be a very talented percussionist but also a good singer. This gave the group a new vocalist, which would prove essential to their success further on in their history.
When the band was signed to Decca in early 1962, the record label insisted that they be billed as Brian Poole & the Tremeloes, and it was under that name, after a slow start, that they enjoyed a string of U.K. hits starting in 1963, including “Twist and shout,” “Do you love me” and “I want candy”.
By the end of 1965, the split was in the works. The band was inactive in the studio for almost six months while the mechanics of Poole’s exit worked themselves out. The consensus in the music press was that Poole was poised for stardom, while the Tremeloes were believed to be headed for oblivion.
Instead, it was the Tremeloes who had three solid years of international hits, while Poole’s career had fizzled by 1967, and he retired from music, instead managing the family’s butcher shop, though he did also start his own label, Outlook Records.
In more recent years, he has been active on the British and European oldies circuits, working with such ’60s figures as Reg Presley of the Troggs, Mike Pender of the Searchers, and Gerry Marsden of Gerry & the Pacemakers.
The Tremeloes are still together today. They perform their old material in concert throughout Europe with musicians from other 1960s and 1970s bands.
I have not seen or heard about the Tremeloes for over a year, are they still around or are they having a rest